Nitrate in leafy vegetables: why there are too many nitrates in leaf vegetables and root vegetables?

Pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables have always been an issue of concern, so what is the reason for pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables?

The problem of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables is generally serious. Chen Shixiong, director of the Department of Agronomy at Chung Hsing University, points out that leafy vegetables are the crops most prone to nitrate residues, and it is best to choose organic products or test them themselves to ensure safety. Root vegetables such as sprouts and carrots contain almost no nitrate, so you can feel at ease to buy more.

Director Chen Shixiong yesterday quoted relevant reports when he gave a speech on "Organic Agriculture and healthy Life" at the invitation of the Taichung Organic Life Association. According to relevant reports, about 100,000 tons of vegetables and fruits containing more than the standard amount of pesticide residues in Taiwan are eaten by consumers every year. Many farmers do not dare to eat their own fruits and vegetables. Because the nitrates in pesticides have the possibility of causing cancer, organic vegetables produced by natural farming are the best choice for consumers. The government is requested to establish a set of definite inspection and certification standards as soon as possible.

He analyzed the reasons for nitrate residues in fruits and vegetables: first, improper fertilization, farmers promoted the growth of crops so that too much nitrogen fertilizer was added, resulting in nitrate residues in fruits and vegetables; second, the use of net cultivation made nitrate could not be fully distributed through photosynthesis, so it remained in fruits and vegetables. Third, the nitrate residue is too high due to poor soil drainage, and the fourth is to harvest after the typhoon, and fruits and vegetables can not carry out photosynthesis due to continuous rainy days, resulting in residues.

The nitrate content standard of processed food formulated by the Department of Health in China is less than 70 ppm. The packing box of the test paper is marked with signs showing the amount of nitrate represented by various colors. The vegetable juice is smashed or ground with nitrate paper, and the color change of the test paper can be observed.

When buying vegetables, be sure to choose carefully. Don't be too careless.